Time to make choice to Lighten Up in 2014

For lots of us, the turning of the calendar to a new year signals a move to change our lives.

For some, that means saving money. For others, it’s to improve our relationships with friends and family.

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For huge numbers of Americans, it involves a pledge to lose weight and get healthy.

That’s where The News-Herald comes in.

For the sixth consecutive year, we are calling for area residents to join our six-month weight-loss initiative called Lighten Up.

Through the first five years of the contest, participants have lost 2,168.05 pounds while taking part.

Participants agree to monthly weigh-ins at LEAN Living, a personal training and fitness center in Concord Township, and to monthly assessments with health professionals at the Lake County General Health District.

The first weigh-in will take place at noon Jan. 18 at LEAN Living.

Participants also agree to have their monthly weigh-in results listed in The News-Herald and to contribute to a blog once per week throughout the contest.

Contestants must lose 5 percent of their body weight within the first three months of the contest, or won't be permitted to continue to the second half.

The News-Herald will accept anyone who signs up to Lighten Up, provided they agree to these contest terms.

The winner of Lighten Up is the person who loses the most weight, by percentage, after six months.

The winner receives a month of personal training sessions at LEAN Living. Second place is a six-month family membership to the Lake County YMCA.

Sponsors for Lighten Up are The News-Herald; Lake County General Health District; LEAN Living; Lake County YMCA; and Second Sole.

To enter, send an email to News-Herald Managing Editor Laura Kessel at LKessel@News-Herald.com with your name, address, daytime phone number and a 100-word essay detailing why you want to take part in Lighten Up.

Submissions are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 8. Participants will be listed in The News-Herald on Sunday, Jan. 12.